Champneys Henlow Grange

This was a lovely birthday surprise so I was determined to enjoy it, but given the name and reputation of the spa, I wasn't 100% impressed with the set up.

On the day we were there, the ladies' steam room wasn't switched on, and the treatments - although good - weren't anything out of the ordinary. It had a bit of a industrial feel to it, with hordes of clients sitting in a reception area, being called up by the therapists. The pedicure I had lasted less than 2 weeks, whilst when I had had one locally it had been baked on under some sort of UV lamp and lasted a month.

The food was good, and lashings of it too (if you weren't there for weight loss), however the evening menu was very limited - either veggie, fish, or chicken. I know red meat is not healthy eaten in abundance, but a little bit wouldn't have hurt. The puddings were more of an "amuse bouche" too. Perhaps I wasn't entering into the "health" spirit of the spa - more interested in being pampered, relaxing and eating well. If that's what you want, perhaps this is not the best spa for you.

Accommodation was good, fairly spacious and clean, but very impersonal. Grounds around the house are stunning and very relaxing. Overall, probably not worth shelling out huge sums for, but good if they're doing an 'offer'.